Mom’s Day is this Sunday.

In honor of the moms out there: to the ones with children of their own and the ones who mother other people’s children, Thank You! The world is a better place because of you. This is a tribute to some of the moms that have corralled, guided and loved me over the years.

I am blessed to have lots of moms.

First there is my mom. She’s dynamic, smart and beautiful. She can hold your attention with her life stories (which are many), shows me up on a dance floor and creates memorable experiences for everyone she meets. Her gift of hospitality is unsurpassed. She lives in England, so our mother-daughter talks are over a cup of tea via Skype.

I have a step-mom. She’s the glue that holds my dad and our family together. She is intuitive, incredibly creative (an artist really) and makes everything she touches beautiful…and is she a good cook!  She’s one of the most giving people I know. Her gifts come through her craftsmanship and service to others.

Then there are all the other people who’ve mothered me along the way.

There was Leanne, a girl I barely knew in the 6th grade, who saw that I was sad at recess one day. She asked me what was wrong and listened to me. From then on, she’d check in on me and listen when I needed to talk. Those tumultuous days in junior high were softened by Leanne’s kind and generous spirit.

By the time I entered college, I was ambitious and determined. Independence was the measuring stick I used to determine my success.

Then I met Olga. She lived across the hall from me and would later become a roomie. Olga possessed an inner peace that drew me to her…a centeredness that I didn’t know existed, let alone needed. Her friendship and blessings were a welcome respite in my world of striving. She connected me to a community of young women I have loved since then.

Cathy (a friend of Olga’s) soon entered my life. Her Irish Catholic grit was not well received at first. But nothing says I love you better than, “Girl, you can do this. It’s a mind game. You can do this.” She has been relentless in calling and encouraging me over the past few years. I pity the person who says, “I can’t,” to Cathy.

As a young mom, Marybeth and Georgina filled a gap in my soul; they took my hand and said, Let’s pray.

Alena, who is like a sister to me, has been there for me since day one. She consistently shows up. She may not say a word or have words for me, but her presence is strong and she knows my heart. Her brand of support is abiding and serving to a fault.

Carole entered my life more recently. She is one of the most nurturing people I know. She has encouraged and cared for many, many friends over the years. I was the beneficiary of that love when my marriage frayed. Carole literally “took me in” when I was lost and thought I had nowhere to go. She let me drop my bags at her place, without question, without condition and without judgment–something I desperately needed. Carole is a soft and loving woman – now and always. Everyone needs a Carole in their life.

There are so many more women I could tell you about… these are just a few.

Then there are the men who’ve taught me so much about love.

I know many men, who are better at comfort and support than their female counterparts. They are more intuitive, sensitive and caring.  Some may call that feminine, but that’s just not so! I have come to believe that mothering is not a feminine quality – it’s a godly quality.

Think about it: God wants us to develop into the best version of ourselves; God wants to protect us from harm; God loves us even when we are unlovable; God wants us to hang out with awesome people who are good for us, not jerks; God wants the very best for us and is willing to sacrifice for us.

That’s what moms do.

And dads.

And friends.

And good pastors.

And caring bosses.

Mothering is not a job for one person. It really does take a village. It took a small army of amazing people to help me become the person I am today. I am incredibly grateful my all of my moms, starting with the one who gave me life.

On Mother’s Day, remember the village that’s helped raise you. I am sure, if you pause and reflect, you’ll see a long line them.  Thank them, whether they are on this earth or on to the next. And please remember to pay it forward.

The world desperately needs you.